Low Serotonin Symptoms – Identifying Them Correctly

While the word “feelings” cannot be defined too specifically, there is one specific component in the human body that goes into making those feelings and that is serotonin. Serotonin is said to be a neurotransmitter which is found mostly in the alimentary canal of human beings. This biochemical performs several important functions such as:

Regulating sleep

Enhancing memory

Controlling one’s moods

It stands to reason, therefore that low serotonin can produce quite a few problems in the human body and mind. Sometimes low serotonin levels can develop into serious medical conditions. Therefore it is imperative to take cognizance of low serotonin symptoms and rectify the same well in time. Broadly speaking, low serotonin symptoms can be divided into two categories – mental and physical.

Mental symptoms of low serotonin

Some of the main mental and emotional symptoms of low serotonin include:

Feeling of acute anxiety

A feeling of being low or depressed

Greater difficulty in concentrating on tasks and other cognitive functions such as memory

Reticence and withdrawal from social contact

Higher sense of irritability with everything and everyone around

Lack of self confidence

Being overly sensitive and anxious about everything. The individual may feel like crying for no reason.

Physical symptoms of low serotonin

There is quite a wide range of physical symptoms associated with low serotonin production and here are a few of the major ones:

Feeling of lethargy and fatigue even after getting enough time to rest

Aches and pains such as stomach aches and headaches. This can also include muscular aches and joint pains.

Problems with digestion

The cause of symptoms

Medical experts state that there are quite a few reasons why the body stops or does not produce the required levels of serotonin. But some of the main reasons for the symptoms to manifest themselves are:

Changes in dietary habits

Not eating a balanced diet

Lifestyle issues

Changes in environmental conditions

Sudden onset of stress – job or life related.

Regardless of the reason why low serotonin symptoms show up, it is important for an individual to consult a doctor for the same. Taking a serum serotonin level examination will allow the doctors to determine exactly how low or how high the serotonin production is and then prescribe corrective medication and counseling. Changes in diet, lifestyle and specific medication can go a long way in controlling low serotonin symptoms.